“A Century of Service. The Events, People and Places that shaped The RSL in Bendigo 1915 - 2015 “, By "Murray Poustie". The Author served on the Committee of the Bendigo District RSL from 2003 - 2009. He was Treasurer for 4 years. He also served on a number of Sub Committees, House and Finance, Welfare, Commemorative (Chair of) and the Memorial Walls. He is also Returning Officer and a Sub Branch Historian. Murray was made a Life Member 2019. Within the subjects, brsl, smirsl, a large amount of the information supplied re people, events, life membership, committee, dates/times were from this book. Soft cover book. Cover- cardboard ,red, blue and white print on front, spine and back. Background illustration, blue colour tones. The Memorial Hall, Pall Mall C1924 with image of a soldier on front. The Memorial Hall 2014 with 2 x RSL badges in colour on back. Inside cover- end papers- illustrated collage of images in colour. 239 pages. Paper, cut, plain, white. Illustrated block and white photographs, graphs and certificates smirsl, brsl, century, service

Bendigo RSL Sub Branch Committee 1993, the photo was taken in the old meeting room now the Building and RSL history room SMI, BMM. Standing at rear, Ted Kennedy, Frank O’Connell, Cliff Richards, Bill Scholtens, Jack Barnes, Alan Holmes, M Beams, Laure Schilling, Les Waters. Sitting. Jack Colston, Max O’Haloran, Jack Fay, Norm Smart, Fred Addlem. Not present Cliff Clohesy, Ian Bates. Committee history re the above as per listed. Kennedy 1993 to 1997, 1999 to 2000. O’Connell 1993 to 1999. Richards 1992 to 2017 President 2002 to 2017. Scholtens 1985 to 1987,1989, 1993 to 1997, 2001 to 2002. Barnes refer Cat No 8040. Holmes 1993 to 2001, President 1997 to 2001. Beams 1992 to 1993, Schilling 1992 to 2001. Waters 1985, 1988 to 1995. Colston 1979 to 1996, 1999 to 2000. O’Haloran 1961, 1963, 1971, 1982 to 1992, President 1961, 1963, 1983 to 1992. Fay 1958 to 1960, 1963 to 1996, 1998 to 2000. Smart 1985 to 2002 refer Cat No 8131.2P. Addlem 1982 to 1996, 1998 to 2000. Clohesy 1981 to 1991, 1993 to 1996 President 1993 to 1996. Bates 1990 to 1997, 1999. Photograph colour showing 14 men sitting/standing at the end of a table. On the rear is text in red pen.On rear, “C Clohesy away, I Bates away, Committee 1993”brsl, smirsl

Members of the Bendigo RSL Sub Branch 1988. From left to right. John Edward Widdison - Fay (Jack) Served on Committee 1958 to 1960, 1963 to 1996, 1998 too 2000, Treasurer for the year 1963. Museum Sub Committee member 1997 to 2015/16 and Museum guide, conducted RSL funerals for many years, served on the Servicemen’s Co - Operative Society for many years until 2000, involved in fund raising, made Life Member in 2015. He was also heavily involved n the RAAF Association with terms as President and Secretary. Culmer John Plant (Jack). Served on Committee 1965 to 1971, 1974 to 1975, 1977 to 1982, 1984 to 1992, President for the years 1969 to 1971, 1974 to 1975, 1980 to 1982, Delegate to the 27 District Board of the RSL, Honorary Organiser of the Bendigo RSL Diggers Day Bowls for 4 years, made a Life Member 1974. Ronald Barton. Served on Committee 1983 to 1992. Refer Cat No 8130P. William James Norman Smart (Norm). Refer Cat No 8131.2P John Kerr Barnes (Jack). Refer Cat No 8040 Henry Maxwell Frances O’Haloran (Max), Served on Committee for the years 1961, 1963, 1971, 1982 to 1992, President for the years 1961, 1963, 1983 to 1992, served as RSL Country Vice President, made Life Member 1990, Served as President of the Bendigo District Servicemen’s Club 1981 to 1992, awarded an MBE in 1982 for his Community involvement. Photograph colour showing 6 members of the Bendigo RSL standing out the front of the Soldiers Memorial Institute Pall Mall Bendigo, gardens behind and in the background is the Myers Building.Stamped on the back, “17 MAR 1988”smirsl, brsl

The two men in the photo are Bendigo RSL Members, Jack Fay on the left, Ron Barton on the right. Information supplied has a date of 1993 with. Refer Cat No 8129P for their RSL involvement.Photograph colour showing two men sitting with table, RSL raffle sign, to the left is the RSL Xmas stocking for the raffle. Place is Manchester Buildng in Pall Mall Bendigo virtually opposite the Soldiers Memorial Institute Building Bendigo RSL HQ. brsl, smirsl

The top photo shows from left to right Max O'Haloran President Bendigo RSL, Ernie Jackman and Jack Barnes Secretary Bendigo RSL. The bottom image is Max O'Haloran. The article has a number of statisticts worth noting. 1. This year will be the 75th Anniversay of Anzac at Gallipoli. 2. Henry Fullerton will be one of 57 to visit Gallipoli for the Anniversary. (Refer Cat 4069.2) 3. There was 300,000 Members of the RSL Australia. 4. There was 60,000 Members in Victoria. 5. In the Bendigo region approx 1,200 members. 6. Victoria lost 3,000 members in 1998. 7. Bendigo lost 84 members. 8. The Anzac & Poppy Appeals between the years 1960 - 1989 raised $139,700.00 1989 was a record sum of $28,000.00 For Max O'Haloran's RSL Service refer Cat No 8129P. Ernie Jackman's RSL Service refer Cat No 8278. Jack Barne's RSL Service refer Cat No 8040. Bendigo Advertiser article Saturday 6th of January 1990 on page 4. Article is near full page with two B & W photos, top has three men in, the bottom one.Main Headline, "Soldiers in a never ending War"smirsl, brsl

This print was displayed in the main function room of the Bendigo District RSL Sub Branch Havilah Road.. This is one of a pair the other being HRH Prince Phillip, refer Cat No 8186.to be enteredbrsl, smirsl

This item was originally hanging over the double doors inside the Billiard Room of the Soldiers Memorial Institute pre being a Museum in 1998. After the renovations to the SMI 2016 - 18 it was placed on the other side of the double doors in the foyer. It is not clear when this item came to the SMI but it was many years prior to SMI becoming a museum.Very large framed black and white print of a painting of " The Landing of the Anzacs, 25th April, 1915" from original by Charles Dixon R.I 1915. Title - Presented to White Hills Reading Room by Vernon Rymer ESQ, November 14th, 1921. Frame - heavy timber, dark brown stain with gold painted inner edge, glass front. Mount - Off white cardboardBelow print/painting - Block printing - title of painting " THE LANDING OF THE ANZACs 25 April 1915 , Presented to White Hills Reading Room by Vernon Rymer ESQ" brsl, smirsl

The date on the photograph states "approx 1946", actually 1947. The Bendigo RSL conducted Annual and Debutante Balls for many years as a fund raiser. The following article appeared in the Argus; “Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), Thursday 14 August 1947, page 8 ________________________________________ 12 debutantes presented at Bendigo Ball Early Victorian posies which matched the pastel flowers in their hair were carried by the 12 debutantes who came out at the Annual RSL Ball at Bendigo Town Hall last night. The debutantes, who were presented to Lieut-General and Mrs V. A. H. Sturdee, were Eileen Clarke, Daphne Green, Norma Knopp, Doris Purtell, Inez Somerville, Eileen Simpson, Joy Taylor, Olive Tope, Judith Waters, Elvie Walker, Patricia Young, and Dorothy Herbert. The official party included Cr and Mrs D. W. Streader, Mayor and Mayoress of Bendigo; Cr and Mrs. McEwen, Mayor and Mayoress of Castlemaine; Major-General Rankin, MP, and Mrs Rankin; Mr Galvin, Minister for Lands, and Mrs Galvin; and Colonel Lansell MLC, President of Bendigo RSL.” Photograph B & W on light cream backing board. There are 12 young men, 12 Debutante girls, 2 Flower girls and 1 female Chaperone. Text has been written on the front in blue pen and black pencil.In blue pen and black pencil, "RSL Deb Ball approx 1946", In black pencil, "Bruce back row 7th from left, Olive 2nd back row from left", in black pen, "Reg Brock Bendigo"brsl, smirsl, debutante

The painting is of John Henry Lockett (Jack) Refer Cat No's 8143, 8144, 8145.10P for awards and service history.Framed water colour portrait painting showing a man sitting with walking stick, in the background is a frame with a soldier in. The frame is gold with a black streak, painting is set in a white backing with a gold edge. under is a brass plaque with details.On plaque, "John Henry (Jack) Lockett OAM - 1891 - 2002 - On loan courtesy of the Lockett Family"brsl, smirsl, painting lockett

Framed certificate, frame is timber brown colour, no glass in frame,certificate is yellow colour, all print in blue and black, RSL logo at top followed by the details of the Achievement.Main points, “Certificate of Achievement Bendigo Sub Branch” “For Commendable increase in Membership- Winner Country group 501 - 1,000” “Bruce Ruxton State President” “..................... State Secretary” “Dated 1st July 1981”brsl, smirsl, membership

Framed certificate, frame is brown colour timber, certificate is cream background with the RSL logo at the top followed by the details of the Achievement. A red seal is at the bottom LH side.Main points, “Certificate of Achievement - Bendigo Sub Branch for the highest increase in membership, an increase of 14.17% in the category of 501 - 1,000 country group for the year 2005” “David McLachlan State President” “...................... Chief Executive Officer” “Dated 29th June 2006” brsl, smirsl, membership

Willam John Turner. The recommendation details his awards of being made a Life Govenor twice, Fund raising for the POW efforts, RSL Relief fund, RSL Picnic Committee, Chairman & Organizer off, RSL Inter Units Social Club, President and Treasurer off and Committee. The originals of this submission are damaged and will be in later Cat No’s in the Turner collection. Cat No 8030 will detail his service history and more RSL involvement.Framed letter, frame is timber gold colour, frame backing is maroon colour with the letter I set. This is a copy of the letter for the reccomendation for a Life Membership of the RSL to William John Turner Bendigo Sub Branch. The letter is very specific as to the roles and fund raising undertaken by Turner over many years. The fund raising amounts in Pounds is quite large.Letter heading and signed, “Memorial Hall Pall Mall Bendigo 13th May 1954” “Yours faithfully" "Sir George Lansell” Funds raised in Pounds, “£3891 - £4,100 - £2,000 - £938 - £200” The last figure was an annual amount raised.brsl, smirsl, life membership

William John TURNER served on the Committee of the Bendigo Sub Branch from 1948 - 1951, 1953, 1955 - 1958, he was Jnr Vice President during the 1953 - 1958 years. His fund raising and other positions are well documented in Cat No 8029 re the submission for the Life Membership. William Turner had pre WW1 military service in the 67th BN Bendigo area as a Cpl in the Machine Gun section for 2 years. He enlisted in the AIF No 3627 in the 8th Reinforcements 21st BN age 19 years 6 months on 10.7.1915, embark for Eygpt 29.12.1915, transfer to 60th Bn 26.2.1916, promoted Cpl 25.3.1916, embark for France 29.6.1916, WIA 24.4.1918 GSW right wrist, rejoin unit 23.7.1918, promoted Sgt, transfer to 59th Bn 25.9.1918, RTA 15.5.1919, discharged from the AIF 22.8.1919. Certificate framed, frame is timber gold colour, certificate backing is maroon, certificate has ornate edge, all print in blue and black with a red seal at the bottom RH corner. At the top is R.S.S.A.I.L.A followed by the RSL logo then the details of the person receiving and signed.Main points; “This is to certify that Mr W.J. Turner has been awarded Life membership of the Returned Sailors, Soldiers & Airman’s Imperial League of Australia for services rendered as a member of Bendigo Sub Branch Vic” “Dated Canberra 21st Day of November 1956, ................Federal President J Neagle General Secretary”brsl, smirsl, life membership

The “Ugly man Contest” was a fund raiser for the P.O.W comfort fund in which £3891 was raised. (Pounds). The certificate was given to William (Bill) John Turner Bendigo RSL Sub Branch. Refer Cat No 8029 re this effort and others by Bill Turner. Refer Cat No 8030 for his RSL history and his WW1 service details.Framed certificate, frame is timber gold colour, backing piec is maroon colour, certificate is a fawn colour, all text in black. At the top is the word “Proclamation” followed by text, a red seal/stamp is at the bottom LH side. The paper relates to the “Ugly man Contest”Text, “Be it known by these presents - Bill Turner on the Tram each day, of ugly men he has his say; In competition he gives us shocks; And with his trams, he has his stops. In this event, he’s worked each day, to do his bit, in this big fray” “Bendigo November 27th 1943”brsl, smirsl, fund raiser

The Life Membership relates to William John Turner Bendigo RSL Sub Branch. Refer Cat No 8029 for details of his work and fund raising for the Sub Branch. Refer Cat No 8030 for details re his Committee involvement with Bendigo Sub Branch and his WW1 service history. The Unit Social Clubs listed in an RSL Bendigo Annual report 1946 appear to be 6th, 38th, 57th Bn Associations, Railways Sub Section, Catholic War Veterans Association, POW Association (new member 1947).Framed certificate, frame is timber gold colour, backing for the certificate is maroon colour, certificate has ornate blue edging, RSL logo at the top followed by the details of the certificate, all print in black, signed and dated.Main points; “Inter Units Social Club - Life Members Certificate - Presented to Mr W.J. Turner for services rendered to the above club” “R C. Kuryke President” “H Skinner Secretary” Dated 28.3.1960”brsl, smirsl, certificate.

The Certificate relates to William John Turner Bendigo RSL Sub Branch. Refer Cat No 8029 for details of his fund raising and work with the Sub Branch. Refer Cat No 8030 for details on his Committee history and WW1 service.Framed certificate, frame is timber gold colour, certificate backing is maroon colour, certificate is a cream colour with ornate edging around the details, at the top is the RSL Logo followed by “Returned Servicemen’s League Bendigo Sub Branch” Details of the award follow, signed and dated, all print in blue and black.Main points; “Presented to Mr W.J.Turner - Winner of the Mr Bendigo Competition in aid of the League’s Patriotic fund 1945 - Amount raised £666” “Geo V Lansell President” “W R Porter Secretary”brsl, smirsl, certificate

The letter is to William John Turner in appreciation of him conducting the Ritual (ODE) on numerous occasions. Turner is a Life Member of the Bendigo Sub Branch. Refer Cat No's 8029 & 8030 for details of his volunteer/committee work, Life Membership and his WW1 service records.Letter off white colour, letter head of the "Returned Services League of Australia" - Bendigo Sub Branch, all type in black, signed in blue pen. The letter is to "Mr W. Turner" of 121 Barnard St Bendigo."Bendigo 18th June 1969" "President C.J. Plant" "Secretary J.K. Barnes" "Mr W. Turner"brsl, smirsl, letter

The letter to William John Turner relates to his resignation from the Bendigo RSL Sub Branch Committee and was accepted with reluctance and regret and that his health improves. Refer Cat No's 8029 and 8030 for his awards, volunteer and committee work with the sub branch and WW1 service details.Letter yellowed paper, top has the letter head of the "R.S.S.A.I.L.A" followed by the telephone No "95" and the RSL Logo, date then text typed in black, signed at the bottom."21 June 1951" "W.J. Turner Esq - 121 Barnard St Bendigo" "Yours sincerely - Vic Palmer - Honorary Secretary"brsl, smirsl, letter

John Kerr Barnes. Life Membership is a nomination by the Sub - Branch. Jack as known was first elected to the Committee of the Bendigo Sub - Branch in 1955 and held that position until he was elected to the position of Secretary in 1964 and held that till he retired in 2005 (43 years) the entire time he did this from the Soldiers Memorial Institute which was the HQ of the Bendigo Sub Branch. He then became a Museum guide at the Soldiers Memorial Institute until his death in 2011. He was also involved in fund raising particularly the stall they had at the Bendigo Show and the Melbourne Cup sweep the Branch had. He was also awarded a Life Membership with Gold badge 1988, Meritorious Service Medal 1989 (Highest award in the RSL), RSL Licensed Sub - Branch Hall of Fame 2002, State certificate of Appreciation 2006. He is the highest awarded member of the Bendigo Branch. Jack initially enlisted as V25001 in the CMF then transferred to the AIF as VX116316 at age 19 years on 25.2.1941. At discharge from the Army on 12.6.1946 he held the rank of Pte in 2/1st Australian Motor Ambulance Convoy W/shops.Certificate framed, frame is timber light brown colour, certificate is yellow colour with gold RSL logo at the top followed by details of the award of "Life Membership" of the National Branch of the RSL Australia, all print in black, signed and red seal at RH side bottom."Life Membership has been awarded to Mr J.K. Barnes - Bendigo Sub Branch (Vic)" "Dated at Canberra - eleventh - September 1969" Signed "A.J. Lee" National President. Signed "A.G. Kiyl" (?) National Secretary.brsl, smirsl, life member

John Kerr Barnes. This is the highest award in the RSL for 25 years outstanding service. Refer Cat No 8040 for Jacks other awards, Committee/Volunteer work with the Bendigo Sub - Branch.Certificate framed, frame is timber, certificate backing is green, certificate yellow with an ornate edgeing, gold RSL Logo at the top followed by the wording "The Meritorious Medal" to "John Kerr Barnes", all print in black with red seal bottom RH corner, signed and dated."Meritorious Medal - awarded to - John Kerr Barnes by the National Congress in appreciation of 25 years outstanding service" Dated "Canberra this 2nd day of March 1989" Signed "................." National President Signed ".... Gollings" National Secretary. brsl, smirsl, meritorious

John Kerr Barnes. The items relate to "Jack" as he was known. The photo is Jack in uniform, the central Medal/Ribbon is the "Meritorious Service Medal", see Cat No 8042, The RSL Badge is a Life Members Badge. You have to be a Life Member to be awarded the "Meritorious Service Medal". Refer Cat No 8040 for Jacks other awards, Committee/Volunteer work for the Bendigo Sub Branch.Framed Memorabilia, frame is brown timber, item backing green with 4 insets, top is a photo, under is a gold medallion, medal with ribbon, RSL badge.On Medal, "For Merit", On Medallion, "World War11 - Service to Australia", On RSL badge, "Life Member"brsl, smirsl, meritorious,

John Kerr Barnes (Jack) Bendigo RSL Sub - Branch receiving his award of OAM Australia Day 1995, refer Cat No 8044 (Certificate). Refer Cat No 8040 for Jacks other awards, Committee/Volunteer work for the Sub Branch and his WW2 service.Photograph colour framed, frame is timber, photo backing is green, photo shows the award of an OAM. At the bottom is a small section attached with text."John Kerr Barnes: Order of Australia awarded by Honorable Richard McGarvie Government House Australia Day 1995".brsl, smirsl, oam

John Kerr Barnes OAM. This award is a yearly one by the Victorian Licensed Sub Branches Association for 10 years exemplary service. Licensed Sub - Branches can nominate members for this award. Refer Cat No 8040 for Jacks other awards, Committee/Volunteer work with the Sub - Branch and his WW2 service.Award, framed, frame is timber/plastic brown & black colours, there are two insets in a black backing. Top has a ribbon red white and blue with a medallion goldish colour with black text with central part is the RSL Logo, bottom has text re the award to.On medallion, "RSL Licensed Sub Branches Association Victoria" On bottom inset, "Hall of Fame Inductee2002 presented to Jack Barnes Bendigo District RSL Sub - Branch INC"smirsl, hall of fame., brsl

John Kerr Barnes OAM. Refer Cat No 8040 for all Jacks other awards, Committee/Volunteer work for the Bendigo Sub Branch plus his WW2 service details.Certificate framed, frame is brown timber colour, certificate yellow colour with ornate edgeing, RSL logo at the top followed by in red "Returned and Services League of Australia", in blue "Victorian Branch Inc", text of award follows, signed and with red seal at RH bottom corner."Awarded to Jack Barnes as a token of Appreciation and in grateful recognition of services rendered to the Bendigo RSL Sub Branch as Secretary over 43 years".brsl, smirsl, appreciation

In 1960 the President of the Sub Branch was John William Swatton, served on Committee 1941 - 1960, Snr Vice President 1949 - 1957, President 1958 - 1960, made Life Member 1962. Refer cat No 6719.2P for his service records. Secretary G.F. Osborne, Served as Secretary 1954 - 1960. Treasurer John Edward Widdison - Fay, served on Committee 1958 - 2000, made Life Member 2015. Refer Cat No 8129P for Jack Fay’s RSL involvement.Booklet paper 32 pages, front cover has headline "Bendigo RSL News" with a large colour central RSL Logo depiction, inside covers Committee, reviews, administration, notes from Auxiliaries and Service clubs, Repatriation, War Service homes,, all internal print in red & black. Approx half the booklet is advertising by local Bendigo Business."Official Organ of Bendigo Sub - Branch R.S.L" "Volume 1, Sept - Oct - Nov, 1960 Number 2"brsl, smirsl, booklet

This program is most likely about 1950 - 51 before George Lansell is Knighted. Program, paper one page with ornate edging around, all print in blue. At the Top "Returned Soldiers Sailors Airmen's Imperial League of Australia Bendigo Sub - Branch", followed by "Anzac" - "In Memoriam" - "Day". The program covers, Hymns, Opening Address by the Mayor of Bendigo, Guest Speakers Address, Recessional, Last Post, Reveille, National Anthem."Commemoration Ceremony Upper Reserve April 25th" "Presided over by the President Bendigo Sub Branch Col G.V. Lansell V.D - M.L.C"brsl, smirsl, program

These membership record sheets appear to have been used for a period as part of membership up to about 2005.Membership record sheet, all print in blue, double sided, divided into 12 tear of sections, 3 sections in a row are for 3 purposes, sub branch record, State Branch remit and RSL member, front face has the RSL logo on all 12 sections.brsl, smirsl, membership rsl

When the SMI was opened in Nov 1921 the Bendigo RSL Sub - Branch had occupancy from that day on. The Building became a Museum opened to the public in 1998 by the RSL. The origins of this project goes back to 20.10.2011 with a letter to the City of Greater Bendigo of the possibility of an upgrade to the SMI from the Bendigo District RSL Sub - Branch Inc. Some renovations separate had already taken place and some structural work. After initial talks and planning a final sub - committee of 3 persons from the RSL was elected to work with the Council along with other bodies who would be involved. Plans eventuated by 2015 and were put to the RSL for approval. From there the fund raising began from the State/Federal Govt's, RSL, the Public and Council itself. This was achieved and finally in Sept 2016 the SMI/Museum was packed up completely and the Renovations began in 2017. Souvenir program, card yellow colour folding, front page is in gold and black writing with an image of the Dome on the SMI followed by in gold, "Bendigo Soldiers Memorial Institute Revitalisation Project" then in gold, "Souvenir Program", in the centre has details re time, date, place. At the bottom are the logo's of the Federal & State Governments, RSL and City of Greater Bendigo Page 2 is titled "About the Bendigo Soldiers Memorial Institute" with a photo showing the "Hustlers Royal Reserve Mine No 2" which was on the site where the SMI now stands. Page 3 has details of the program, music, Official welcome, speakers, ribbon cutting, the ODE, Last Post, National Anthem, close of formalities and light refreshments. Page 4 has a photo of the original souvenir pamphlet used at the original opening on November 15th 1921, 97 years to the day. at the bottom, "Thankyou section to all those involved in the project""Official opening of the Bendigo Soldiers Memorial Institute Revitalisation and Military Museum 10am Thursday November 15, 2018, Lansell gardens, Pall, Mall Bendigo"brsl, smirsl, program

Refer Cat No 8056.4 for more details of this project, history and re opening.Invitation card, one sided yellow colour to the "Bendigo Soldiers Memorial Institute Revitalisation Project. A space is blank for the person invited's name followed by time, place, date & RSVP, at the bottom are 4 logos representing State/Federal Govt's, RSL and City of Greater Bendigo.Main points; "Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Margaret O'Rourke is pleased to invite - to the official opening of the Bendigo Soldiers Memorial Institute Revitalisation and Military Museum 10am Thursday 15, 2018 Lansell Gardens Pall Mall Bendigo".brsl, smirsl, invitaion

The first mention of a Ball held by the Sub Branch is in 1926, these events were fund raisers.Card, one sided double entree ticket to a "Military Ball 1929". At the top "Returned Soldiers League Bendigo"brsl, smirsl, military ball